A skin tag is a soft, fleshy growth that hangs from the skin and usually appears in areas where your skin creases or is exposed to friction. They are usually just a cosmetic concern and do not have a tendency to become cancerous unless they become sore or start bleeding. And while skin tags very rarely cause pain or discomfort, many people think that are unsightly and would rather remove them.
As skin tags are not considered to be a medical issue, most health care companies will not cover the removal of skin tags so you would need to enlist the help of a privately funded medical professional, which can be costly. In light of this, many people want to learn how to remove their skin tags at home via a safe and natural method and if done properly, there is little risk associated with this.
It is important, though, that you are aware of any changes in your skin, especially when it comes to moles or skin tags. Routinely checking your skin can help you notice any changes in shape or color and if you want to rule out skin cancer, then you should seek advice from a licensed dermatologist.
You have probably heard of using coconut oil, dental floss, lemon juice and other types of juice, aloe vera, and even duct tape to help remove this skin irritation, but which ones actually work? If you have decided you would like to remove skin tags without the help of a professional, then be mindful of unfounded and potentially harmful methods that are often a result of an internet search. Using harsh chemicals like nail polish or following advice to just “cut it off” is not advisable and would be a surefire way of ensuring you would experience complications.
Thankfully, we have compiled a list of the safest and most efficient ways to remove these skin lesions naturally without risking injuring yourself or harming your skin.
How to Remove Skin Tags the Natural Way
While skin tags are essentially extra flaps of skin, they actually have their own blood supply, which is why you should never try to cut, tie, burn, or freeze them on your own. Not only would it be horrendously painful, but you would also expose yourself to a huge risk of infection and scarring from these lesions, so following the natural remedies suggested below is going to be in your best interest. Before we get started, here are a couple of tips to help you determine how to proceed.
Location, Location, Location!
Before making a decision on the method you are going to use to remove your skin tags, consider where they are located on your body. The natural remedies we have listed below are not going to be suitable for use on every area of the body. If you have a skin tag on your eye, then you will need to see a dermatologist get it removed safely.
Know What You Are Dealing With
Before attempting to remove your skin tags via our recommended methods, you need to be absolutely sure that you are dealing with a simple skin tag and not a mole. It is a completely different ball game and an irregular mole will need to be evaluated by your physician. Moles and skin tags can be similar, but skin tags are almost always flesh colored.
Patience Is Key
Unfortunately, when it comes to using natural remedies to remove skin tags at home, there is no overnight solution. The methods we recommend take time and consistently to work effectively, so please have patience with yourself and those around you when attempting to follow the methods listed below.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the most effective natural ways to remove skin tags kindly and gently.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is renowned for its healing properties and it is used to naturally treat a wide range of ailments, especially those that affect the skin. It has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine, as well as an environmentally-friendly and safe home cleaning agent. Removing a skin tag using ACV can be done as follows:
- Soak a ball of cotton wool in pure, organic apple cider vinegar until it is sodden.
- Secure the dipped cotton wool to your skin tag using medical tape and allow 20 minutes to pass.
- If your skin has responded well to the ointment and isn’t showing signs of irritation you should repeat this process twice daily.
- For extra success, you can follow the method above and leave on
After a few days of following this procedure, you may notice that your skin tag has become darker in color. This is completely normal and it means that the solution is working—the skin tag has started to die! Using ACV to remove skin tags is one of the most effective natural remedies and you should start seeing results in as little as two weeks.
Tea Tree Oil
Thanks to its potent antiseptic properties and the ability to efficiently kill bacteria and fungal infections, tea tree oil has become a firm favorite with those who seek natural ways to treat their skin conditions. It is a gentle, yet effective way of removing skin tags and results can be seen in as little as three days (depending on the size and location of the skin tag.)
- Add 6–8 drops of pure tea tree oil onto a sterile cotton wool ball and secure to the skin.
- Allow 15 minutes to pass and check skin for signs of irritation.
- If your skin feels and looks normal, then you can repeat the process three times a day until the skin tag falls off.
Iodine Solution
Liquid iodine is thought to help to remove skin tags. It breaks down the skin cells on the application area, which is why you need to be cautious to only apply it to the actual skin tag and not the surrounding skin. This method is slightly more time consuming, as to ensure you are not damaging healthy skin; you need to create a barrier using natural oil. Apply a few drops of iodine to the skin tag with a cotton swab and repeat twice per day until it falls off.
Garlic
While not the most unnoticeable treatment option, due to its potent smell, garlic is for sure one of the most effective remedies to remove skin tags. It has been used for many generations to heal warts and growths like skin tags.
- Crush a large raw garlic clove until the potent oils are released and secure in place using a bandage or piece of surgical tape.
- Do this every day and leave overnight. Then in the morning, remove the garlic and wash and dry the area well.
In as little as a week, your skin tag could be a thing of the past. Although it may take longer, so stick with it.
Castor Oil and Baking Soda
Castor oil has been a staple in the natural medicine cabinet for hundreds of years. When combined with a natural, mild abrasive like baking soda, it is extremely effective at getting rid of bothersome skin complaints like skin tags. Application is easy, but it might not be the best option for removing skin tags that appear on the face.
- Mix two parts castor oil with two parts baking soda and start rubbing the paste gently on the skin tag.
- After a few minutes, cover the skin tag (with the paste on) with a piece of cling film or a banana peel and secure in place with tape.
- Leave overnight and rinse your skin thoroughly in the morning. Repeat the process each night until the skin tag completely drops off.
Necessary Precautions
When it comes to using natural remedies, it is unlikely you need to worry about an allergic reaction, but you need to use common sense. For example, if you have skin tags on your genital area, you may want to avoid using apple cider vinegar as it could cause irritation that could lead to infection. As a rule of thumb, never apply any of these solutions to highly sensitive areas. It is also important to seek professional advice if you do notice any changes in your skin tags, as it is important to rule out skin cancer or other serious skin conditions.
Final Thoughts
Skin tags have a tendency to appear in places where the skin is more sensitive. This is because they form in places where there is already skin friction, so the skin will not be as strong as on other parts of your body. This is exactly why many people choose to use natural remedies, as opposed to harsh chemical topical ointments. And, apart from that, you need to consider the cost of treatment—many of the products listed above can easily be found at your local supermarket at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay for topical creams from a chemist.
As long as you take a responsible approach and follow the recommended steps, you will be able to experience the power of nature’s medicine and effectively remove your skin tags once and for all.